Parallel reversible sleeve board



. I Feb. 1, 1955 BUGG, JR 2,700,836

PARALLEL REVERSIBLE SLEEVE BOARD Filed Dec. 29, 1951 PARALLEL REVERSIBLE SLEEVE BOARD Owen T. Bugg, Jr., Atlanta, Ga.

Application December 29, 1951, Serial No. 264,089

8 Claims. (Cl. 38-136) This invention relates to ironing boards and more particularly to an ironing board structure adapted for use in pressing both the sleeves and shoulders of coats and similar upper garments.

It is the practice to make ironing boards generally in two sizes, namely, a relatively large board for ironing or pressing larger pieces, and a smaller sleeve board for pressing the sleeves of waists, dresses, coats, etc. Such conventional boards facilitate the ironing or pressing of sleeves and the body portions of upper garments, but they fail to provide useable means for pressing the shoulders of such garments.

An important object of the present invention is to provide a novel type of ironing board which particularly facilitates not only the ironing of sleeves of an upper garment but also the shoulder portion thereof, thus rendering it extremely easy to complete the ironing of the body of the garment on a conventional relatively large ironing board.

A further object is to provide a novel board of this character having a main body portion adapted for use in ironing or pressing the sleeve of a garment, and to provide such board with a lateral extension of particular shape to facilitate the ironing or pressing of the shoulder of a garment, including the shoulder seam.

A further object is to provide such a board structure wherein the board is duplicated in the form of two spaced parallel ironing boards whereby one board is adapted for use in ironing or pressing the sleeves and shoulders while the other board acts as a support for the ironing board which is being used, the entire structure being invertable to permit the ironing or pressing of both sleeves and shoulders.

A further object is to provide novel means for connecting the two boards together in rigid relation when in use, and to permit collapsing of the structure for storage in a closet or the like.

A further object is to provide novel means for rigidly supporting the body portions of the ironing board with respect to each other, comprising complementary sections each hinged or pivoted to one of the ironing boards and provided with means for rigidly connecting such complementary members to each other when the board is in use.

A further object is to provide an ironing board of the type just referred to wherein the laterally projecting portions of the two boards, employed for ironing or pressing the shoulder portions of the garments, are supported with respect to each other in spaced relation by a novel foldable or removable supporting element.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent during the course of the following description.

in the drawing 1 have shown one embodiment of the invention. In this showing,

Figure 1 is a plan view of the device, a portion of the upper ironing board being broken away,

Figure 2 is a side elevation of the device,

Figure 3 is an end elevation of the device, looking from the left-hand end of Figure 2,

Figure 4 is a detailed perspective view of one of the ironing board sections showing the associated board supporting element hinged thereto and illustrating a pair of spring clips,

Figure 5 is a detailed perspective view of a desired type of supporting element for the laterally projecting portions of the boards, and

, United States Patent O "ice 2,700,836 Patented Feb. 1, 1955 Figure 6 is a detailed sectional view on line 6-6 of Figure 2.

Referring to the drawing the numerals 10 and 11 designate as a whole a pair of ironing board units which are exact duplicates of each other except as referred to below. Each such ironing board comprises a body portion 12 shaped to taper in width toward its free end toward the right as viewed in Figures 1 and 2. Opposite edges of the body portion of the board are slightly curved as indicated by the numerals 13 and 14, the purpose of this being to more closely accommodate the board to the shape of a sleeve being pressed thereon.

Each board, at the larger end of the body 12 thereof, is provided with a lateral extension 16, the outer edge of which is curved rather gradually as at 17 and joins the slightly curved edge 13 of the body 12 in a somewhat more sharply curved portion 18. The inner edge of the lateral extension 16 is relatively straight as at 19 and is curved as at 20 to join the inner edge 14 as a smooth continuation thereof. The free edge of the lateral extension, that is the bottom edge as viewed in Figure 1, may be slightly curved as at 21.

Each of the boards 10 and 11 is provided with a padding layer 24, covered by a fabric layer 25. This layer 25 is turned over the edges of the board and against the under side thereof and may be tacked or otherwise secured to the board as at 26 (Figure 4).

When the board is in use, the units 10 and 11 thereof are supported in spaced parallel relation with respect to each other by a supporting structure indicated as a whole by the numeral 28. This supporting structure comprises units 29 and 30, associated with the respective board units 10 and 11 and hinged thereto as at 31. The units 29 and 30 of the supporting structure have their adjacent edges throughout the greater portions of their length substantially spaced and slightly tapered toward each other away from the free end of the body portion 12 of each board, such inner edges being indicated by the numeral 32. This provides a substantial space 33 within the supporting structure 28 for the reception of the portion of a garment arranged beneath the board 10 or 11, whichever one is the top board being in use. At their left hand ends as viewed in Figure 2, the elements 29 and 30 at the inner edges thereof curve inwardly as at 35, into contact with each other, from this point to the left hand extremities of the elements 29 and 30, such elements having fiat contacting faces 36. One of the elements 29 or 30, for example the element 30 as shown in Figure 4, is provided within the face 36 thereof with a pair of parallel preferably steel pins 37, fixed in position with respect to the associated supporting element. These pins project upwardly as viewed in Figures 2 and 4 and are snugly received in openings 38 formed in the adjacent portion of the supporting unit 29. When the device is assembled as in Figure 2, the pins 37 obviously rigidly hold the supporting arms 29 and 30 in position with respect to each other.

Suitable means is employed for rigidly supporting with respect to each other the laterally projecting portions 16 of the boards. Referring to Figure 4, the numeral 40 designates a pair of clips shown in this instance as being connected to the board element of the unit 11. These clips 40 are provided with arcuate free portions 41, shaped as shown in Figures 2 and 4. A preferably relatively rigid steel frame 42 (Figure 5) is employed in conjunction with the clips 40. This frame is generally rectangular in shape and includes opposite vertically extending portions 43, a horizontal bottom frame portion 44, and an upper frame portion 45 which may be straight throughout its length, or it may be provided with a loop portion 46 between its ends for a purpose to be described. The frame portion 44 is engageable beneath the clip portions 41 and when the frame is in the operative position shown in Figures 2 and 3, opposite end portions of the frame portion 45 are movable into notches 43 cut in the supporting units 29 and 30 adjacent the faces of the boards. The frame portion 45 may frictionally engage against the bottom of the upper board; it may frictionally engage the lower face of the notch 48 of the upper board, and if desired, the left hand side of the finger loop 46, as viewed in Figure 3, may frictionally engage the support- 3 ing unit 29. Thus the upper end of the frame 42 will be Operation The device is used with the parts arranged as shown in Figures 1, 2 and 3. The uppermost board in Figures 2 and 3 is adapted for ironing or pressing of the left hand sleeve and shoulder of a waist, coat or other upper garment. The curvature of the edges 13 and 14 corresponds generally to the curvature of the sleeve of such type of garment. The shoulder portion of the garment is adapted to rest on the laterally extended portion of the upper board, and the ironing and pressing operation can be carried out throughout the length of the sleeve and over the shoulder, as will be apparent. The pressing of an upper garment over the shoulder is the most difficult pressing operation of ordinary garments in the home. The arrangement of the garment over the board, as stated above, greatly facilitates this operation and permits the entire pressing of one side of the sleeve and over the shoulder with one placing of the garment on the board. The space 33 between the units of the supporting device 28 permits the sleeve to be moved upwardly or along the board a sufficient distance to facilitate the carrying out of the pressing operation referred to. After the left hand sleeve and shoulder have been ironed or pressed, the garment is removed and the board is reversed. In the first position of the parts, the board unit 19 will be employed for pressing and the board unit 11 will be employed as a base support for the device. When the device is inverted, the board unit 11 becomes the pressing surface and the board unit 10 becomes the base support therefor, as will be apparent.

When the use of the board has been completed, the user may reach beneath the left hand end of the board as viewed in Figures 1 and 2, grasp the finger-piece 46, and pull outwardly on the upper edge portion of the frame 42. This will disengage the frame element 45 from the surfaces with which it is frictionally engaged, whereupon the frame will be swung outwardly and downwardly toward the left as viewed in Figure 2, the clip portions 41 acting as pivotal support-ing means for the frame section 44. If desired, the frame 42 may be pulled outwardly completely from beneath the clip portions 41. The two board units are then pulled apart to separate the pins 37 from the openings 38. The units 29 and 30 of the supporting structure 28 then may be swung about their hinges 31, flat against the board units with which they are connected. Thus the space required for the device, when folded, is minimized, and the entire structure may be stored in a relatively small space.

To assemble the device for the next operation, it merely is necessary to place the board units in position for the insertion of the pins 37 in the openings 38. The supporting structure 28 then will be assembled as shown in Figure 2. Of course, the board units 10 and 11 would still be free to swing about the pins of the hinges 31, but the frame 42 prevents such swinging movement. Assuming that the frame section 44 is in position within the clip portions 43, it merely is necessary to swing the frame 42 upwardly to the operative position shown in Figures 2 and 3. The rectangular frame 42 then not only prevents swinging movement of the board units about the pins of their hinges, but also acts as a rigid support for the laterally projecting portions of the board units over which the shoulder is arranged.

Obviously the bodies of the boards may be of wood or any other suitable material, and any desired means may be employed for securing the padding 24 and cover in position. The device is very simple in construction and economical to manufacture, and greatly facilitates the pressing of the type of garments for which it is intended to be used.

I claim:

1. An ironing board structure comprising a pair of substantially parallel hoard units, each having an elongated relatively narrow body portion and a lateral extension at one end thereof, said lateral extensions being relatively wider than said body portions and having their edges curving into the edges of the associated body portions, the lateral extensions of said units extending in the same direction, the remote surfaces of said units constituting working surfaces, whereby either such su face may be arranged upwardly and the two working surfaces are the reverse of each other, and supporting means conmeeting said units to each other in spaced parallel relation.

2. An ironing board structure comprising a pair of substantially parallel board units, each having an elongated relatively narrow body portion and a lateral extension at one end thereof, said lateral extensions being relatively wider than said body portions and having their edges curving into the edges of the associated body portions, the lateral extensions of said units extending in the same direction, the remote surfaces of said units constituting working surfaces, whereby either such surface may be arranged upwardly and the two working surfaces are the reverse of each other, a supporting structure connected between the body portions of said units and extending substantially longitudinally thereof, and a supporting device extending between the lateral extensions of said units substantially longitudinally thereof and approximately perpendicular to said supporting structure.

3. An ironing board structure comprising a pair of board units, each having an elongated relatively narrow body portion and a lateral extension at one end thereof, said lateral extensions being relatively wider than said body portions and having their edges curving into the edges of the associated body portions, the lateral extensions of said units extending in the same direction, the remote surfaces of said units constituting working surfaces, whereby either such surface may be arranged upwardly in overlying relationship to the other surface and the two working surfaces are the reverse of each other, a pair of complementary supporting units hinged to the adjacent faces of said board units and extending longitudinally thereof, means for connecting said complementary sections to each other, and supporting means extending between the laterally projecting portions of said units to support the latter with respect to each other and to fix said complementary units against hinged movement relative to said board units.

4. An ironing board structure comprising a pair of substantially parallel board units, each having an elongated relatively narrow body portion and a lateral extension at one end thereof, said lateral extensions being relatively wider than said body portions and having their edges curving into the edges of the associated body portions, the lateral extensions of said units extending in the same direction, the remote surfaces of said units constituting working surfaces, whereby either such surface may be arranged upwardly and the two working surfaces are the reverse of each other, a pair of complementary supporting sections hinged to the adjacent faces of said board units and extending longitudinally thereof, means for connecting said complementary sections to each other, and a supporting device arranged between the lateral extensions of said units, such supporting device comprising a generally rectangular frame connected to a face of one of said board units and engaging the adjacent face of the other of said board units to support said lateral extensions against movement toward each other and to prevent swinging movement of said complementary sections relative to said board units.

5. An ironing board structure comprising a pair of substantially parallel board units, each having an elongated relatively narrow body portion and a lateral extension at one end thereof, said lateral extensions being relatively wider than said body portions and having their edges curving into the edges of the associated body portions, the lateral extensions of said units extending in the same direction, the remote surfaces of said units constituting working surfaces, whereby either such surface may be arranged upwardly and the two working surfaces are the reverse of each other, a pair of complementary supporting sections normally arranged in a common plane between and extending substantially longitudinally of the body portions of said board units, means pivotally connecting the remote edges of said complementary sections to the respective adjacent faces of said board units, said complementary sections having adjacent edges of limited length engaging each other and spaced from the ends of said board units opposite said lateral extensions, the remaining adjacent edge portions of said complementary sections being spaced from each other, means for connecting the engaging portions of the adjacent edges of said complementary sections to each other to fix them against movement out of said common plane, and means arranged perpendicular to and between the lateral extensions of said board units to support them against movement toward each other, and to prevent swinging movement of the complementary sections relative to said board units.

6. An ironing board structure comprising a pair of substantially parallel board units, each having an elongated relatively narrow body portion and a lateral extension at one end thereof, said lateral extensions being relatively wider than said body portions and having their edges curving into the edges of the associated body portions, the lateral extensions of said units extending in the same direction, the remote surfaces of said units constituting working surfaces, whereby either such surface may be arranged upwardly and the two working surfaces are the reverse of each other, a pair of complementary supporting sections normally arranged in a common plane between and extending substantially longitudinally of the body portions of said board units, means pivotally connecting the remote edges of said complementary sections to the respective adjacent faces of said board units, said complementary sections having adjacent edges of limited length engaging each other and spaced from the ends of said board units opposite said lateral extensions, the remaining adjacent edge portions of said complementary sections being spaced from each other, means for connecting the engaging portions of the adjacent edges of said complementary sections to each other to fix them against movement out of said common plane, and a rectangular frame arranged between the lateral extensions of said board units perpendicular thereto and substantially perpendicular to said common plane, said frame being connected to one of said board units and having its opposite edge frictionally engaging the other board unit to maintain it in position.

7. An ironing board structure comprising a pair of substantially parallel board units, each having an elongated relatively narrow body portion and a lateral extension at one end thereof, said lateral extensions being relatively wider than said body portions and having their edges curving into the edges of the associated body portions, the lateral extensions of said units extending in the same direction, the remote surfaces of said units constituting working surfaces, whereby either such surface may be arranged upwardly and the two working surfaces are the reverse of each other, a pair of complementary supporting sections normally arranged in a common plane between and extending substantially longitudinally of the body portions of said board units, means pivotally connecting the remote edges of said complementary sections to the respective adjacent faces of said board units, said complementary sections having adjacent edges of limited length engaging each other and spaced from the ends of said board units opposite said lateral extensions, the remaining adjacent edge portions of said complementary sections being spaced from each other, a plurality of parallel pins setting into and projecting from one of the engaging adjacent edge portions of one of said complementary sections, the corresponding portion of the other complementary section having openings to slidably receive the projecting portions of said pins to hold said complementary sections in said common plane, and means extending substantially perpendicular to said common plane and arranged between the lateral extensions of said board units to support them against movement toward each other and to prevent said complementary sections from swinging about their pivotal connections with said board units.

8. An ironing board structure comprising a pair of substantially parallel board units, each having an elongated relatively narrow body portion and a lateral extension at one end thereof, said lateral extensions being relatively wider than said body portions and having their edges curving into the edges of the associated body portions, the lateral extensions of said units extending in the same direction, the remote surfaces of said units constituting working surfaces, whereby either such surface may be arranged upwardly and the two working surfaces are the reverse of each other, a pair of complementary supporting sections normally arranged in a common plane between and extending substantially longitudinally of the body portions of said board units, means pivotally connecting the remote edges of said complementary sections to the respective adjacent faces of said board units, said complementary sections having adjacent edges of limited length engaging each other and spaced from the ends of said board units opposite said lateral extensions, the remaining adjacent edge portions of said complementary sections being spaced from each other, a plurality of parallel pins setting into and projecting from one of the engaging adjacent edge portions of one of said complementary sections, the corresponding portion of the other complementary section having openings to slidably receive the projecting portions of said pins to hold said complementary sections in said common plane, a substantially rectangular frame arranged between the lateral extensions of said board units and normally arranged in a plane perpendicular to said board units and perpendicular to said common plane, clips pivotally connecting said frame to one of said board units, the opposite side of said frame being frictionally engageable with the adjacent face of the other board unit, the adjacent end of the complementary section associated with such other board unit being notched to receive the adjacent portion of said frame and such adjacent portion of said frame having a loop bent therefrom and forming a fingerpiece.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 181,034 Bryant Aug. 15, 1876 298,422 Smalley May 13, 1884 781,264 Beckwith Jan. 31, 1905 810,964 McArthur Jan. 30, 1906 922,487 Knorr May 25, 1909 1,827,218 Bradstreet Oct. 13, 1931 2,634,033 Meyer Apr. 7, 1953 FOREIGN PATENTS 3,696 Great Britain Feb. 14, 1898 460,749 Great Britain Feb. 3, 1937 

